RWA Wealth Partners names Michelle Knight CEO

RWA Wealth Partners names Michelle Knight CEO
Amid other C-suite promotions, the $15B firm’s new chief exec makes it one of the largest woman-led RIAs in the US.
JUN 03, 2024

RWA Wealth Partners, an independent RIA overseeing $15 billion in client assets, has named a new chief executive.

On Monday, the firm announced it has appointed Michelle Knight as CEO. Knight steps into the role following the resignation of Mario Ramos, who guided the firm through the merger of Adviser Investments with Ropes Wealth Advisors and the subsequent rebranding to RWA Wealth Partners.

With a 15-year record as an investment advisor with the SEC, Knight previously held the position of president at RWA Wealth Partners. Before the merger, she served as CEO and chief economist at Ropes Wealth Advisors, where she contributed to the firm's growth to over $7 billion in assets.

With Knight being elevated to the CEO role, RWA Wealth Partners has become one of the largest female-led registered investment advisors in the US.

"Michelle has demonstrated strong leadership through the integration process over the past year, and we are excited to name her as the CEO of the combined organization," Matt Hamilton, a managing director at Summit Partners and member of the RWA Wealth Partners board of directors, said in a statement.

"RWA Wealth exists to serve clients with the highest standard of fiduciary care, and during her distinguished career in wealth management, Michelle has done just that. … She is the natural choice to lead the combined firm," Hamilton said.

"Our business serves individuals and multigenerational families … to deliver comprehensive, unbiased fiduciary advice in a personalized fashion through a team of caring experts,” Knight said. “I am proud to lead the RWA Wealth Partners team as we continue to pursue this mission."

Alongside Knight's promotion, the firm has also elevated several senior leaders to executive roles, completing the leadership integration. Those include Kristin Fazio as chief compliance officer; Joseph “JP” Powers as chief investment officer; Steve Reder as managing director of wealth management; Carlos Sotero as chief technology officer; and Venkat Patla as chief marketing officer.

"I look forward to working with all of our team members as we pursue our goal to be the nation’s foremost boutique provider of wealth management solutions, tackling complex financial challenges for individuals and families,” Knight said.

Latest News

SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund
SEC bars ex-broker who sold clients phony private equity fund

Rajesh Markan earlier this year pleaded guilty to one count of criminal fraud related to his sale of fake investments to 10 clients totaling $2.9 million.

The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training
The key to attracting and retaining the next generation of advisors? Client-focused training

From building trust to steering through emotions and responding to client challenges, new advisors need human skills to shape the future of the advice industry.

Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry
Chuck Roberts, ex-star at Stifel, barred from the securities industry

"The outcome is correct, but it's disappointing that FINRA had ample opportunity to investigate the merits of clients' allegations in these claims, including the testimony in the three investor arbitrations with hearings," Jeff Erez, a plaintiff's attorney representing a large portion of the Stifel clients, said.

SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says
SEC to weigh ‘innovation exception’ tied to crypto, Atkins says

Chair also praised the passage of stablecoin legislation this week.

Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest
Brooklyn-based Maridea snaps up former LPL affiliate to expand in the Midwest

Maridea Wealth Management's deal in Chicago, Illinois is its first after securing a strategic investment in April.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.